Glimpses of Ilocos Norte, Philippines

St. William the Hermit Church - The Cathedral of the Diocese of Laoag - Laoag City

Interior of the Cathedral

It's Belltower - described as sinking

A Carroza for the Good Friday Procession - Christ falling under the weight of the Cross

The Bridge Approaching Laoag City 

The Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol

The Sinking Belltower as seen from the Basi Revolt Plaza

Historical Marker commemorating the end of the Spanish Tobacco Monopoly

A restaurant specializing on Ilocano Food - It's found along Rizal Street

Basi Wine - local wine of the Ilocos

Adobong Sili - A Chili Pepper Dish

From a different restaurant - Bagnet

The facade of the St. Joseph Church in Dingras, months before it was torn down to protect the churchgoers

St. Peter the Apostle - Good Friday Procession at Dingras 

Possibly St. Mary Magdalene

Veronica - the veil bearer is actually an unnamed woman in the Gospels 

Agony in the Garden

Scourging at the Pillar

Christ taken down from the Cross

The Body of the Dead Christ

Mary as the grieving mother

Marker for the Dingras Church describing it as ruins

Details of the facade

St. Roch Church in Espiritu (Banna)

St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Bacarra - north of Laoag City

Interior of the Church

The Belltower of Bacarra - its top fell down decades ago

St. Andrew the Apostle Church at dusk

Bacarra River

The iconic Paoay Church

The Ilocos Chronicles 2010: Entry #1

Cliche title. But that's what's been on my head all day: thinking of posting blog after blog of my trip to and from and, of course, stay in Ilocos Norte and call them with that title.  That's the plan though.  I really do not know if I can muster enough will power to write again after this one.  I am a ningas kugon, that is why.

Going to Ilocos this summer was in my mind long before I verbally uttered it to my dad two weeks ago.  Lots of changing of mind happened since then. I mentioned it to Mommy's cousin, too.  That's Tito Boy Valido, through facebook chat.  Having informed them, there is no backing out since the questions "when are you going to Laoag" by one or "when are you coming to Laoag" by the other would inevitably crop up.

And so that was what happened last Saturday night.  I told my dad, "I'll be home in Cabanatuan by Monday.  I think I am not going to Ilocos anymore. What do you think?" It was really my way of subtly  saying, "I really do not want to go and endure that 8 hour trip inside a close to freezing bus. Two times!"  And he goes, "I really think you should go and visit."  It's no great wonder.  He's from the place.  And so, of course, are my grandparents.  And I haven't visited Lola since I don't remember exactly when. 

Also this morning as I was preparing to finally submit my final paper for my final subject in MA, out came a message from Tito Boy through facebook.  "Are you already here?"  With that question, I just have to go to Ilocos.

So here I am, counting the last few hours before departure to beloved Ilocos.  There is no sarcasm there.  Believe me, I love the place, I adore the place, I long to see the place.  It's just that, for now, what I need is to sit on a rocking chair in front of the cable tv with the laptop to my right and a good book at my left turning on the aircon if the heat gets to me while trying to muster enough will power to review for compre.  In Cabanatuan, of course, my true home. 

Now all that has become, "Maybe next week."  After the demo, after the enrollment, and after I clean my carrell and sort out my reviewers for the comprehensive exams. 

For the Holy Week, I am off to Ilocos Norte.  Perhaps there, I'll join the celebration at my Uncle Vic's parish, go out with my cousins, eat real Ilocano food, and do visita iglesia. Certainly however, I'll be able to see my Lola Betty again.  

Just keep on reading to find out if I did.